Giardiasis in the structure of parasitosis in domestic dogs and cats and its clinical manifestations in mono- and mixed infections

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to study factors that affect Giardia duodenalis infection distributing among domestic dogs and cats and to identify the main coprological changes and clinical manifestations of this protozoan disease versus infections caused by Cryptosporidium spp. and Toxocara canis/cati , both in the form of mono- and mixed infections. Materials and methods. Faeces from domestic dogs and cats were studied by the flotation method with double centrifugation using a sodium nitrate solution to detect G. duodenalis cysts, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, and eggs of T. canis/cati . One hundred and ninety positive samples were collected from dogs and 116 from cats. All positive samples were characterized by consistency, odor, and impurities in the form of mucus or blood. When the history was collected, the age, origin, and clinical symptoms of the infections were recorded. Results and discussion. Infections caused by G. duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp., and T. canis were more often recorded in dogs under 12 months of age: 79.1%, 90%, and 71.9%, respectively; and 20.5%, 10%, and 28.1%, respectively, in those that are older than 12 months. In cats, as well as in dogs, infections caused by G. duodenalis , Cryptosporidium spp. and T. cati were detected more often at the age of 12 months: 52.8%, 84.6%, and 65% respectively; and 47.2%, 15.4%, and 42.9%, respectively, in those that are older than 12 months. Mixed infections caused by G. duodenalis combined with Cryptosporidium spp. or G. duodenalis with T. canis/cati were also recorded more often in animals aged under 12 months. Infections caused by protozoa G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were most common in pedigree animals taken from breeding nurseries, while T. canis/cati infections were more often recorded in animals taken from shelters or from the street for keeping in apartments. The greatest variety of clinical manifestations was found in dogs with giardiasis, and diarrhea was most often observed in general in both dogs and cats with these infections and was especially pronounced with mixed infections. Clinical manifestations were absent in dogs in 15.4% and in cats in 16.7% of giardiasis cases; however, the most often asymptomatic course of infection was noted in dogs (40.6%) and cats (38.5%) with toxocariasis. The history of diarrhea in animals, especially those aged under 12 months, requires diagnostic studies to rule out these pathogens, which will allow timely treatment and prevent the spread of zoonosis.